2006: A B-52H flew a sortie using a blend of synthetic kerosene and JP-8 fuel in two engines and the conventional JP-8 in the other six engines. The test fuel was a 50-50 mix of traditional crude-oil and synthetic kerosene derived from natural gas. Air Force Undersecretary Ronald Sega flew aboard the flight to highlight the importance of the new fuel, which promised to reduce costs and greatly enhance deployability throughout the USAF. The jet’s other six engines ran on traditional JP-8 jet fuel. Maj. Gen. Curtis Bedke, Air Force Flight Test Center commander said that the fuel is one of many the Air Force is looking into. “This test is aiding in creating options and alternatives to our current fuel,” Bedke said.
